Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Esther 4:6-16.
We looked at this scene just over a month ago, but we expand it today in light of our focus for this week. A man named Haman had convinced the king of the land to allow him to destroy all the Jewish people among them. Esther’s cousin Mordecai (who was older than her and had taken her in and raised her after her parents died) let her know that she was the last hope of her people. She had been chosen by the king to be her queen, but he didn’t know she was one of the Hebrew people. Mordecai told her she had to go to the king and appeal to him on behalf of her Jewish family. But she reminded him that going in to the king without being summoned by him was a gesture that likely brought about a person’s death. Still, Mordecai persisted in his instructions to her.
It is inspiring to read of Esther’s courage. She decided she was going in, stating bluntly “And if I perish, I perish.” What I particularly notice is what motivated her to make this bold move: love for her people. She was willing to sacrifice herself because she cared about her people.
I do not know of any surveys that have been done about this, but I’m guessing that the overwhelming top motivating factor for why people make sacrifices of any kind is love. Parents sacrifice for their children (and vice versa later in life). Teachers and coaches sacrifice for their students and players. Soldiers sacrifice for their country. Of course, the ultimate example of this is Jesus sacrificing himself for us all. That will be our focus as we worship together tomorrow.
Personal Worship Option:
Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious God, I thank you for the many sacrifices that have been made on my behalf by a lot of people in my life, all who were motivated by love for me. Most of all, thank you for the sacrifice you made for me and all the world through Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.
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